Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.

VPFO Strategic Plan 2024–2027
Having a strategic plan gives us a clear path, keeping everyone on the same page. Learn more about where we’re going next and how we plan to get there.
News from the VPFO
-
UBC Power House will begin preparation for demolition in early June 2023
In early June, the UBC Power House will begin preparation for demolition for the development of the new UBC Sauder School of Business expansion. During this project, there will be various levels of disruption and road closures.
-
Metro Vancouver’s Watering Restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2023
Stage 1 of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in effect from May 1 to October 15, 2023, as outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. The region wide watering regulations are an effective way to help us use…
-
Frontline heroes driving our campus forward
When you talk to Jeff or Amber, one of the first things you will notice is their genuine care for our beautiful campus and diverse community. Both professionals in their fields, Jeff and Amber work hard to ensure a safe,…
-
UBC Investment Management has released its second annual Responsible Investing Report
The Report summarizes the firm’s responsible investing activities during 2022 in support of the ESG-related goals and objectives of the UBC Endowment Fund and the UBC Staff Pension Plan.
-
German president’s visit to UBC highlights clean energy and climate change solutions
UBC welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday, April 25. During his visit, President Steinmeier toured UBC’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) – a soon-to-open hydrogen fuelling station that showcases integrated energy generation for smart cities. Located next to a…
People of the VPFO
-
Jason Wright promoted as Senior Manager, Mechanical in Building Operations
Jason held the leadership role of People & Process Manager with UBC Building Operations, leading our Mechanical Maintenance team since September 2018.
-
David Kosub, Project Coordinator: 22 years at UBC before riding into retirement
David started his career at UBC 22 years ago as a cabinet maker. Since then, he has worked with many teams at over 100 buildings across campus. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life after retirement, we invited…
-
Peter Lincoln joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Peter Lincoln is the successful candidate for the position of Project Coordinator in Project Services within Infrastructure Development. David Kosub will be retiring at the end of June 2021, and Peter will be stepping into his role in Project Services.
-
Parveen Mann joins UBC as Director, Human Resources
We are pleased to welcome Parveen Mann to the VPFO as our new Director of Human Resources, reporting to Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Peter Smailes, effective June 21.
-
VPFO Finance Realignments Following Workday Go-Live
Many members of our VPFO team played key roles in launch of Workday at UBC, and following the success of go-live we are ready to continue modernizing our core business processes, improve how we are structured, and transform the way…